Cleburne County Bench Warrants
Cleburne County bench warrants are court orders for arrest issued when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk in Heflin keeps these records. Cleburne County is one of the smallest counties in Alabama by population. The county is in the Talladega National Forest near the Georgia border. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Cleburne County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When someone misses court, the judge issues one. This is failure to appear or FTA.
Other reasons include unpaid fines, missed community service, and broken probation rules. All count as not following court orders. The warrant brings you back to court.
Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for an existing case where you broke the rules.
Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant tells officers to arrest you. They can do this any day, any time.
Felony bench warrants in Cleburne County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed.
Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Cleburne County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in Heflin.
| Address |
Cleburne County Courthouse 120 Vickery Street, Room 202 Heflin, AL 36264 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 463-2651 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Cleburne County is in the Talladega National Forest. The Pinhoti Trail runs through the county, making it a hiking destination. The county borders Georgia and handles cases from the I-20 corridor.
Cleburne County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. The chief clerk has served since 1997 under four different sheriffs. You can call to check if a warrant exists.
| Address |
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office Heflin, AL 36264 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 463-2166 |
In a small county like Cleburne, the Sheriff handles most warrant service. Call ahead before turning yourself in.
How to Search Cleburne County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Cleburne County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 463-2166 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 463-2651 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 120 Vickery Street in Heflin. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies.
Alacourt Access: Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and shows bench warrants.
ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and needs fingerprints.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Cleburne County
An active warrant will not go away on its own. Deal with it now. Police can arrest you any time.
Hiring a lawyer first is the safest way. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can set a new court date and may help you avoid jail.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Cleburne County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff about your warrant. A judge will decide whether to set bail or hold you.
Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Clear yours before it shows on a background check.
Cleburne County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Cleburne County.
- Sheriff phone check: Free
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- Copy fees: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 and up
- ALEA background check: $25.00
Court fines vary by case type. Ask the clerk for exact amounts before your hearing.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Cleburne County and all Alabama counties.
Alacourt Portal: Visit alacourt.gov for court info and forms.
Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov.
AlaPay: Pay fines online at alapay.com.
Administrative Office of Courts: For questions, call 1-866-954-9411.
Legal Help in Cleburne County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (256) 236-0021 for the Anniston office or (866) 456-4995 toll-free.
Alabama State Bar Referral: Call (800) 354-6154 for a lawyer referral.
Court-Appointed Lawyer: If facing criminal charges, ask the judge to appoint a lawyer at your first appearance.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cleburne County. Check where your offense took place.